The Spirit of Christmas Comes Early to New York

🎄 It’s not snowing in New York City yet — but Christmas already has its brightest star.

NBC has officially announced that Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli will co-host the 2025 “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special, airing live on Wednesday, December 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

This year’s event is already being called “the most heartfelt Christmas special in decades,” combining the timeless power of music with stories of love, faith, and generosity. Under the twinkling lights of the world’s most iconic Christmas tree, the father-son duo will share the stage in a way fans have long dreamed of — as hosts, performers, and storytellers.

A Father-Son Celebration of Music and Meaning

For years, fans around the world have been enchanted by the musical chemistry between Andrea and Matteo Bocelli — two generations united by faith, family, and song. Their duets, including Fall on Me and The Greatest Gift, have touched millions and become modern Christmas classics.

Now, for the first time, the two will co-host the country’s most beloved holiday broadcast from Rockefeller Center, in what NBC producers describe as “a celebration of the heart.”

“New York in December is magical,” Andrea said in a statement. “And sharing that moment with Matteo — that’s what Christmas is all about. Family, love, and giving back.”

The pair are expected to open the night with a live duet beneath the towering Rockefeller Christmas Tree, illuminated by more than 50,000 golden lights, setting the tone for a show filled with warmth, reverence, and wonder.

More Than a Concert — A Celebration of Compassion

This year’s special goes beyond music. Andrea and Matteo will highlight real-life stories of kindness and resilience from across America — from small-town volunteers delivering meals to the elderly, to families rebuilding after hardship.

The theme, according to NBC insiders, is clear: hope shines brightest when it’s shared.

Both Bocellis have long been recognized for their humanitarian work.

• Andrea Bocelli, through his Family Heart Foundation, supports education and healthcare initiatives for disadvantaged children.

• Matteo Bocelli, meanwhile, has worked with organizations like the Checotah Animal Town and Education Foundation, focusing on youth and animal welfare.

Their collaboration on this special, NBC says, is more than a performance — it’s “a heartfelt reminder that generosity is the true gift of Christmas.”

What to Expect: Music, Faith, and Surprise Guests

In keeping with tradition, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” 2025 will feature a star-studded lineup of performances and celebrity appearances. While NBC has yet to confirm the full roster, producers have hinted at several “unexpected collaborations” and a grand finale under the glittering Rockefeller tree that promises to leave audiences speechless.

Fans can expect both classic carols and new arrangements, performed live with orchestral accompaniment. From sacred hymns like O Holy Night to contemporary holiday hits, the evening’s music will blend tradition with modern elegance — just like the Bocellis themselves.

NBC executives called the event “a return to the true heart of Christmas — family, music, and gratitude.”

The Meaning Behind the Music

Andrea Bocelli has long been celebrated as one of the world’s greatest voices — but beyond the operatic grandeur lies a man deeply grounded in faith and purpose. Over the years, he has used his platform to remind audiences that music can be both a form of worship and a force for good.

His son, Matteo, has followed in those footsteps, emerging as one of the most promising young artists of his generation — blending pop, classical, and soul with an emotional honesty that resonates with millions.

Together, they represent not just extraordinary talent, but the passing of a legacy — one rooted in family, humility, and hope.

“Music unites us,” Matteo said recently. “And Christmas reminds us to use that gift to bring light where there’s darkness.”

A Night to Remember

With the Bocellis at the helm, this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Special is shaping up to be more than just a holiday broadcast — it’s poised to become a spiritual and cultural event that will echo around the world.

Under the glow of New York’s most famous Christmas tree, two of the most beloved voices in modern music will come together — not just to sing, but to remind us all what the season truly means.

✨ “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.

Get ready for a night of music, magic, and meaning — because this Christmas, the heart of New York City will be singing with the Bocellis.